Wolf Trap Opera Company Giulio Cesare 2014 Synopsis

ACT 1 The Roman King, Caesar and his troops have landed at Alexandria, having just conquered Pompey and his forces. Pompey’s wife and son meet the king on the banks of the Nile and Cornelia begs for mercy for her husband’s life. Caesar agrees, on the condition that Pompey meet him face-to-face. A gift arrives from Ptolemy, who rules Egypt with his sister, Cleopatra. In the box is Pompey’s head—a cruel token of support for Caesar’s invading army. The group is aghast: Cornelia faints and Caesar is incensed at Ptolemy’s viciousness. Curius, the Tribune of Caesar’s army, offers to avenge the death—hoping that by doing so he’ll win the affections of the new widow—but is rebuffed. Sextus, Ptolemy’s son, vows to take revenge on Ptolemy.

In her palace, Cleopatra schemes to gain sole possession of the throne. She hears of Ptolemy’s betrayal of their countryman Pompey, and of Caesar’s strong reaction to her brother’s “gift.” She plans to win Caesar’s favor. Meanwhile, Achillas tells Ptolemy of Caesar’s reaction and offers to assassinate the Roman ruler in exchange for Cornelia’s hand. Ptolemy agrees.

Cleopatra, in disguise as a handmaiden named Lydia, visits Caesar’s camp and presents herself to him after the conclusion of Pompey’s funeral rites. Cornelia and Sextus pay their last respects and, in their grief, plot to kill Ptolemy. The disguised queen promises the support of the Queen of Egypt and offers her servant Nirenus as a guide to the palace.

Ptolemy and Caesar meet, and their diplomatic exchange is chilly. Cornelia and Sextus confront Ptolemy: he is struck by Cornelia’s beauty, but when Sextus challenges him, he orders them both imprisoned. Achillas offers Cornelia freedom for a roll in the hay, but is angrily rebuffed. Cornelia and Sextus bid each other a tearful goodbye as they are separated.

ACT 2 Cleopatra has arranged for some entertainment at her palace, to further pique Caesar’s interest. He is smitten, and Nirenus promises that “Lydia” will eagerly be awaiting him later. At Ptolemy’s palace, the mood is quite different with Cornelia lamenting her fate. Achillas makes another plea for her love, but she denies him again. She is about to commit suicide when Sextus—who has escaped with Nirenus’ help—arrives and tells her that Ptolemy is planning to make her one of his concubines. But Sesto plans to hide in Ptolemy’s harem, catch him in a vulnerable moment, and revenge Pompey.

Caesar and “Lydia” meet in her chambers, but are quickly interrupted by Curius, who announces that Caesar has been betrayed—troops and en route to the chamber. Cleopatra reveals her true identity and asks Caesar to flee. He decides to fight, and Cleopatra— realizing that she is in love—prayers for his protection.

Ptolemy tries to seduce Cornelia, but is interrupted by a murderous Sextus, who is in turn stymied by Achillas. Sextus is despondent and tries to claim his own life, but is stopped by his mother. He re-commits to his vow of revenge. Having saved the moment, Achillas announces that Caesar has jumped to his death, and prepares to claim Cornelia as his prize per Ptolemy’s decree. Ptolemy reneges on his promise and Achillas switches his allegiance to Cleopatra, with disastrous results.

ACT 3 Ptolemy’s forces are victorious and Cleopatra is taken prisoner. Brother promises a terrible revenge on sister. Cleopatra mourns her loss of kingdom and Caesar. Caesar, however survived the fall and is searching for his armies. Searching for Ptolemy, Sextus finds a gravely wounded Achillas, who gives a seal which conveys command of his armies. Caesar stumbles upon the pair, and asks for the seal—pledging to free Cornelia and Cleopatra. Sextus feels emboldened by the turn of events, and vows to fight on. Caesar continues to Cleopatra’s camp and frees her.

In the palace, Sextus finds Ptolemy trying to force himself on Cornelia. Sextus takes his revenge, and he and his mother celebrate. Caesar and Cleopatra enter the city as victors and declare their love for each other. Caesar crowns Cleopatra sole ruler of Egypt and she declares her allegiance to the Roman Empire.